Warning Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes is a silent killer, not because it is the most deadly disease on earth, because if care is not taken correctly, its signs and symptoms can be missed. Most people that have treated or are treating diabetes are not aware they have it. Diabetes is a medical condition that hampers the proper functioning of insulin, and it restricts the transport of sugar from the blood to the cells where they are converted to energy. Instead of storing sugar in the cells, diabetes stops the functioning of insulin which is responsible for the transfer of sugar from the blood to the cells which causes the accumulation of sugar in the blood.
Diabetes is fast becoming the leading cause of death in the world, and since its signs are easily missed, it is pertinent to know the symptoms not to ignore so as to be ready to battle it head-on. Below we will be looking at some of those signs that people should not ignore.
Experiencing leg pain when you walk
This symptom of diabetes is often related to adult though not exclusively. It is a condition known as PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease). The situation occurs when the blood vessels in the legs and feet are clogged or narrowed which pinches the flow of blood. Its symptom can also happen as a cold or tingling feeling in the leg, and it may also make your feet to feel numb. Though this might not be a severe condition, but it may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack in individuals treating diabetes. You need to tell your doctor if you are experiencing such feeling in your leg and feet.
Frequent thirst
When the human system is in need of water, the sign it gives is thirst, though drinking water should alleviate this feeling. It becomes a thing of importance when the thirst is persistent and when drinking water seems not to be sufficient to quench your thirst. When you consume much water, you face another symptom of diabetes which is frequent urination, and this is as a result of the kidney performing more work due to the presence of excess sugar in the body. And when the kidney is working hard, it requires more water which results in the constant feeling of thirst.
Unexplainable loss of weight
When insulin hormone is not performing its duty well, it leaves much sugar in the blood which can cause unexplainable loss of weight. Though obesity is a warning sign of diabetes, it is also known that people treating diabetes experiences a sudden loss of weight. The reason behind the weight loss experienced by people managing diabetes is that since insulin hormone is not functioning at its optimal efficiency, the body will break down protein from the muscles for fuel in response to the absence of glucose in the cells because it will think that it is starving.
Blurred Vision (Diabetic Retinopathy)
The presence of more sugar in the blood causes the flow of fluid to the lens of the eye which causes blurred vision. You will experience changes in your vision if your blood sugar level is high, if you experience less sharp vision, you need to check your level of blood sugar. Though blurry vision can be caused by other medical conditions which can include macular degeneration or glaucoma, but if the problem persists even after balancing your blood sugar level, consult your doctor, it might be a warning symptom of diabetic retinopathy.
It’s never too late, before addressing any issue related to your smile, gums, teeth, and other oral or in general health issues, consult with Dr. Jean-Jacques Edderai. A dental prophylaxis or cleaning as previously mentioned including our check-up every three to four months will allow Dr. Edderai to keep a watchful eye on your oral health and prevent cavities or minor problem before they start. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, visit my FAQ page at http://www.northmiamibeachdentist.com/faqs/.
Remember the best advice from your Dentist “Unaddressed issues will never get resolved by themselves”.
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